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Master's of Social Work Program

The Master's Program (MSW) at Salisbury University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and offers students the opportunity to earn their degree in a student-centered, supportive atmosphere. The social work faculty is dedicated to excellence in teaching and maintaining a strong focus on student learning.

MSW Program Mission

Grounded in the ethics and values of the social work profession, the mission of Salisbury University’s MSW program is to inspire and educate competent and culturally responsive social work professionals to be prepared for advanced direct practice with individuals, families, groups, and organizations in local, regional, national, and global arenas.

MSW Program Goals

Goal I: Perform as professional social workers in advanced direct practice with individuals, families, groups, and organizations.

Goal II: Develop a professional identity grounded in social work ethics and values.

Goal III: Apply knowledge of diversity, difference, and the impact on life experiences and identity formation.

Goal IV: Demonstrate critical thinking, ongoing self-reflection, and awareness of continued professional development as essential components of culturally competent advanced direct social work practice.

Goal V: Engage in scientific inquiry, evidenced based practice, and program evaluation.

Goal VI: Enhance an understanding of human rights, human and community well-being, and social and economic justice.

What is Advanced Direct Practice?

SU's advanced direct practice specialization is defined as advanced practice primarily with individuals, groups, families, and organizations. Advanced direct practice is based on the systems and strengths perspectives, along with theory. These foundations focus on preparing practitioners to enhance social functioning and interactions of individuals, families, and groups by involving them in accomplishing goals, developing resources, and preventing or alleviating distress.

Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings in primary roles that include direct practitioners, consultants, and supervisors. Graduates will have the skills necessary for lifelong learning and adaptation to new practice contexts.

Salisbury University has instituted a Good Neighbors Graduate Scholarship program that could reduce the tuition of active students who reside in contiguous counties neighboring Maryland - find out more under the "How to Apply to MSW" tab below!

An MSW prepares graduates to work in a variety of human service programs and agencies in an advanced clinical and/or supervisory capacity. The flexibility of the MSW degree provides graduates with many options as they pursue careers in the helping fields, including:

Working in a hospital setting to assist medical personnel in gaining insights into the social, economic, and psychological situations of patients, as well as helping in their treatment and discharge planning

Counseling people with psychiatric, emotional, and personality disorders in mental health clinics or other clinical settings

Working with young offenders in juvenile courts, youth outreach programs, and prisons

Helping abused, neglected, and/or foster children with their reintegration into the community

Providing services to the elderly in hospital settings, geriatric psychiatric units, day treatment and/or day care programs and other community settings

The online application system (Collegenet) is now open to accept the following applications:

UMUC Europe traditional program option for spring 2019, due date of November 15, 2018.

UMUC Europe Advanced Standing program option for summer/fall 2019, due date of January 15, 2019.

Early Decision for Stateside, satellite, Online and Salisbury campus options, due date is January 15, 2019. Early Decision is for fully completed applications (including all letters of recommendations and official transcripts from each college and university attended).

All Stateside, satellite, Online and Salisbury campus options for fall 2019 will have a final due date of April 1, 2019

See below regarding taking classes in non-degree seeking status this fall to be considered for spring 2019 admission.

Course of Study

The Regular MSW Program is 62 credit hours. There are 48 credits of classroom work and 14 credits of supervised field practicum. The regular MSW program is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree; an undergraduate degree in social work is not required. The regular MSW program is offered to students who have a GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 upper division courses and a 3.0 GPA on the last 120 credits on the bachelor’s degree transcript from an accredited college or university.

The Advanced Standing MSW Program requires 24 credits of classroom work and 8 credits of supervised field practicum. The advanced standing program is offered for individuals who are recent graduates of an accredited BASW or BSSW program with a minimum GPA of 3.2 on the last 60 upper division courses including all Social Work courses and the three prerequisites and a 3.0 GPA on the last 120 credits on the bachelor transcript.

Both program offerings are flexible and designed for the working student.

We offer the following curriculums:

Curriculums

Length

Regular, Full-Time

2 years

Regular, Part-Time

4 years

Advanced Standing, Full-Time

1 year

Advanced Standing, 3 Semester

1 ½ years

Advanced Standing, Part-Time

2 years

Satellite Regular Program

3 years

Satellite Advanced Standing Program

1 ½ years

Curriculum

Generalist: The Generalist curriculum comprises the first 30 hours of coursework and field practicum. Building on a liberal arts base, courses address the knowledge and skills associated with generalist social work practice and examine the core values and philosophy of social work.

Specialist: The Specialist curriculum comprises the second 32 hours of coursework and field practicum. Courses focus on community-based direct practice and build upon successful mastery of foundation knowledge and skills. Community-based direct practice is founded on two central social work values:

The belief that all people have strengths—Practitioners should work with these strengths rather than seek out deficits to be fixed.

The belief that people should be viewed within the context of their families and communities—we must understand how individuals, families, and groups affect one another, and we must develop strategies to work within these systems.

Field Practicum

Students, in collaboration with the Field Education Office, select field placements to meet their professional goals. Regular Program students complete four semesters of field practicum. Placements are available at a variety of community, government, and private agencies. In some situations, students may make special provisions for a field placement within their current work setting. Students who work full time will need to plan for daytime release time from their jobs to participate in the field practicum. Students must be in good academic standing in order to enter into, and remain in, their field placement.

Admission Assessment

Assessment is made on the basis of the applicant’s academic performance and background, social work and related work experience, personal qualifications, references, and indications of a commitment to the profession. Additionally, applicants should have interests or life experiences appropriate to the practice of professional social work.

Prerequisites for Program

Regular (62 Credit) Program

A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

A broad liberal arts background with a minimum of 24 hours including at least one course in: sociology, psychology and introductory statistics. These undergraduate requirements may be taken at any accredited college or university, including community college.

A minimum 3.00 GPA on upper division courses and a 3.0 GPA on the 120 credits leading to the bachelors degree. If applicant has a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA on the 120 credits leading to the bachelors degree, but an otherwise strong application, consideration will be given for provisional admission.

Previous graduate credits are considered when assessing your qualifications.

Advanced Standing (32 Credit) Program

Applicants who have completed a baccalaureate degree in Social Work from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last three years are eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing program. Applicants graduated within the last five years who have worked in human services for at least two of those years will be considered.

A broad liberal arts background with a minimum of 24 hours including at least one course in: sociology, psychology and introductory statistics. These undergraduate requirements may be taken at any accredited college or university, including community college.

A minimum of a 3.2 GPA on social work major and prerequisite courses and a 3.0 GPA on the 120 credits leading to the bachelor’s degree is required. If applicant has a 2.8 to 3.0 GPA on the 120 credits leading to a bachelors degree, but has an otherwise strong application, consideration will be given for provisional admission.

A recommendation from the field liaison who taught your most recent field education class is required in addition to three other letters of recommendation.

Three additional letters of recommendation are required from the following: one from a field placement supervisor, one from a college or university academic source, and one from either an employer, professional colleague or community associate.

Conditional/Provisional Admission

Conditional or provisional admission may be granted to applicants in the following categories:

Those who have not successfully completed the required liberal arts background may be admitted conditionally. Students found to have a deficiency in the area of liberal arts preparation will be required to take leveling courses to satisfy the prerequisite requirement prior to admission or during their first semester in the program. All prerequisites for admission must be completed prior to the start of the second semester in the program. Statistics may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis; all other prerequisite courses must be graded. Students may take these classes at any accredited university or community college. The Admissions Review Committee reserves the right to request that students retake a liberal arts course in which a grade below a C was earned. Students must submit proof of successful completion of the course to be fully admitted to the program.

Those with a GPA of less than 3.0, but an otherwise strong application may be admitted provisionally. Students admitted provisionally based on their GPA may take up to nine hours their first semester (excluding Field courses), and they are required to earn a B or better in all classes their first semester of the program. Students who meet this requirement will be fully admitted to the regular program the following semester.

Transfer Students

Students from non-MSW graduate programs may receive a maximum of six transfer credits for courses for which s/he has earned a grade of "A" or "B". Each course will be assessed for program equivalency.

Students previously or currently enrolled in another accredited master’s level social work degree program who are seeking admission as a transfer student will require official determination of allowable credit for coursework completed elsewhere. This determination will be made at the time of admission. Field Education credits do not transfer. All Field Education requirements must be completed as part of this MSW program. In addition, all students must complete a minimum of 30 hours at Salisbury University to be eligible for an MSW degree.

Students previously or currently enrolled in another accredited masters level social work degree program who are seeking admission as transfer students are required to submit the following three materials IN ADDITION TO the materials required of new students (see Application Procedures):

A brief written statement describing the reason(s) for requesting a transfer

A copy of field experience evaluations

One of the three professional recommendations must be from a faculty member or field supervisor affiliated with the transferring program.

Non-MSW to MSW

Students from non-MSW programs may receive a maximum of six transfer credits for which at least a B was earned. Each course will be assessed for program equivalency. Official determination of allowable credit for coursework completed elsewhere will be made at the time of admission. See MSW Student Handbook for complete details.

International Students

International students who demonstrate graduate ability and proficiency in the English language may be offered admission. Applicants whose native language is other than English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and have official results sent to the Office of Admissions. A minimum score of 550 on the written exam or 213 on the computer exam is required. International graduate student applicants may be required to have their credentials reviewed by professional, external evaluators identified by Salisbury University. If such external review is necessary, appropriate forms will be sent to applicants early in the admissions process. International students must be admitted to a degree program before the immigration document (I-20) will be provided. For more information specific to International Students, please visit SU's International Student and Scholar Services website at:

Non-degree Seeking Student Enrollment

Students who wish to enroll as non-degree seeking (not formally admitted to a graduate degree program) are not required to complete a formal application for admission to the department, but must complete application to the university. Non-degree seeking students may complete only the following Social Work courses: SOWK 607, SOWK 610, and SOWK 620.

This is an excellent option for those students who wish to explore, but not commit to the Master of Social Work Program or for those who missed the deadline for admission. NOTE: Students interested in the Advanced Standing Program must be admitted to the program before taking MSW courses. Applying to the university begins here.

Pending Legal Action and Conviction Statement

Applicants who have pending legal action or convictions will be asked to supply documentation on the nature of the offense and the disposition. Individuals admitted to the program who are facing pending legal actions or convictions may have restrictions placed on the area of study and field placements they may pursue, as some field placement agencies do require a criminal background check. Applicants should also be aware that the Professional Standards Committee of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners may refuse to issue a license or certificate of registration to any person who has been convicted of any crime in this or any other state. Applicants may be denied admission to or, if enrolled, terminated from the program if they have been untruthful or provided inaccurate information on their application.

Life Experience Credit and Course Credit by Evaluation

Life Experience CreditNo credit will be given for work or life experience.

Course Credit by EvaluationStudents who are able to demonstrate prior mastery of four specific graduate foundation level courses may take an examination to earn course credit. Those courses are: SOWK 607, Social Welfare Policy; SOWK 610, Theoretical Analysis of Behavior I; SOWK 616, Social Work Research; and SOWK 630, Theoretical Analysis of Behavior II. See the MSW Student Handbook for information on costs and procedures.

Graduate Assistantships

Each year Salisbury University offers a number of competitive graduate assistantships for students attending the SU campus. Information may be obtained from the Social Work Department. Required forms and documents should be returned to the chair of the Social Work Department as early as possible preceding the academic year or semester for which the appointment is sought. Assistantships are generally awarded for one semester, beginning in the fall, and may be continued in the spring semester, based on the recommendation of the department chair. All graduate assistants will be eligible to receive a salary and tuition waiver. Graduate assistants must enroll for a minimum of six credits, but no more than nine per semester will be covered by the tuition waiver. Tuition will be waived only for courses applicable toward master’s degree requirements. The waiver of tuition does not include waiver of fees.

Good Neighbors Graduate Scholarship

The Good Neighbors Graduate Scholarship is intended to allow residents of contiguous counties in neighboring states of Maryland an opportunity to enroll as degree-seeking candidates in graduate programs at Salisbury University (and it’s satellite locations) and apply for support to cover a portion of the non-resident graduate tuition at Salisbury University. Additionally, individuals may apply for the scholarship for up-to nine hours of support as a non-degree seeking student.

Terms and Conditions:

The amount of each approved scholarship will be 75% of the difference between the graduate program's resident and non-resident tuition rate per semester credit hour.

Degree-seeking students can receive the scholarship for the total number of hours necessary to complete the degree program. Only under extreme circumstances will an student be allowed to receive the scholarship for hours exceeding their degree checklist.

Non-degree seeking graduate students can receive the scholarship for up to nine hours.

Applicants must be registered for the semester for which they are applying for the scholarship.

Applications for scholarship must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.

Eligibility is based on the home county residence of the applicant. To qualify, applicants must live within a contiguous county of the location offering the graduate program. More details will follow regarding verification of residency. Specific contiguous counties that are eligible based on location are as follows:

Adams County, PA York County, PA Jefferson County, WV Cumberland County, PA Loudon County, VA Mineral County, WV Franklin County, PA Berkeley County, WV Morgan County, WV Fulton County, PA Grant County, WV Lancaster County, PA Hampshire County, WV

Southern MD Higher Ed Center - MSW Program

Fairfax County, VA Prince William County, VA Stafford County, VA King George County, VA Westmoreland County, VA

Example Process:Upon approval, each scholarship recipient will receive a credit to their student account in the amount of the award. \ Using Fall 2014 tuition rates, if a graduate student in the MEd program is enrolled in nine hours, resides in Sussex County, DE, and is approved for a Good Neighbors Scholarship, the following process would apply:

Application Procedures For MSW Program

January 15, 2019 Early Decision for completed applications (including all letters of recommendations and official transcripts from each college and university attended), to all stateside programs to be considered for fall 2019.

Here are a variety of ways to help fund your education; whether it be through student loans, grants, scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships. The links on this page will help you get started with finding a source of funds that is right for you.

Social Work Department Resources:

Generalist Practice Curriculum

The generalist curriculum comprises the first year of the regular full-time program and consists of 30 hours of coursework and field education. Building on a liberal arts base, generalist practice courses address the knowledge and skills associated with generalist social work practice. We also examine the core values, ethics, and philosophy of social work in preparation for advanced social work practice.

Specialized Practice Curriculum

The specialized practice curriculum comprises the second year of the traditional program and is the curriculum for the advanced standing option. The specialized practice curriculum consists of 32 hours of advanced coursework and field education. The specialized practice curriculum focuses on advanced direct practice and builds upon successful mastery of foundation knowledge and skills. Students learn to use an evidence-based practice perspective to develop appropriate interventions for individuals, families, groups, and organizations.

The online application system (Collegenet) will now open to accept applications to our Online MSW Program. Below are the due dates to be considered for fall 2019 consideration:

January 15, 2019 for Early Decision for completed applications (including all letters of recommendations and official transcripts from each college and university attended), to all stateside, satellite, Online and Salisbury campus programs to be considered for fall 2019.

April 1, 2019 final due date for completed applications to all stateside, satellite, Online and Salisbury campus program options and locations

Apply early to ensure your seat!

Interested in the Online MSW option? Contact our Program Chair of the Graduate Program, Dr. Jennifer Jewell, at jrjewell@salisbury.edu.

About the Online Option

Social work is a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment. Social workers are people who care about people—who want to make a difference. The Online MSW option at Salisbury University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and offers students the opportunity to earn their degree online in a student-centered, supportive environment. The online option will follow a 20-student cohort model per year with fall admission only. All courses will be offered in 7-week blocks, year round, allowing students to complete the regular option in 3 years (or the advanced standing in 17 months). Students will be required to work with the Online Field Director to identify and secure their field placement.

Orientation for admitted students will be online and mandatory. The orientation must be completed by mid-August (an exact date will be communicated to enrolled students). It will include information on:

Navigating the Online Learning Management System

APA Formatting and Citation

Organizing and Writing Academic Papers

Questions? Please email the Program Chair of the Graduate Program , Dr. Jennifer R. Jewell today at jrjewell@salisbury.edu

Eligibility

Students who are current full-time residents of Maryland, Delaware,Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia or Pennsylvaniaonly are eligible to apply.

A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

A broad liberal arts background with a minimum of 24 hours including at least one course in: sociology, psychology and introductory statistics. These undergraduate requirements may be taken at any accredited college or university, including community college.

Regular Curriculum (62 credits) applicants who hold a minimum 3.00 GPA on upper division courses and a 3.0 GPA on the 120 credits leading to the bachelor’s degree will be considered. If applicant has a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA on the 120 credits leading to the bachelor’s degree, but an otherwise strong application, consideration will be given for provisional admission.

Advanced Standing (32 credits) applicants who have completed a baccalaureate degree in Social Work from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last three years are eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing program. Applicants graduated within the last five years who have worked in human services for at least two of those years will be considered.

Advanced Standing applicants who hold a minimum of a 3.2 GPA on social work major and prerequisite courses and a 3.0 GPA on the 120 credits leading to the bachelor’s degree is required. If applicant has a 2.8 to 3.0 GPA on the 120 credits leading to a bachelors degree, but has an otherwise strong application, consideration will be given for provisional admission.

Previous graduate credits are considered when assessing your qualifications.

Application requirements can be found under the "How to Apply to MSW" tab above.

62-Credit Curriculum

Each 20 student cohort accepted to the 62-credit curriculum will follow this plan:

32-Credit Curriculum

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fee structure of the Online MSW option differs from the face-to-face and blended programs on-campus and through our satellite locations.

$765 per credit (Resident or non-resident)

Technology

In order to be successful in the online option, you will need to have access to the following technologies:

Laptop or Desktop (Windows or Mac based computer)*

Access to High-Speed Internet (DSL or Cable)

USB Microphone with Connected Headset

Webcam

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Microsoft Silverlight

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Flash

Latest version of Java (installed on your computer)

*Use of a tablet is accepted, but you will need to have access to a laptop or desktop in the event that a certain course component does not display or function properly on your tablet.

Are You Ready for Online Learning?

Learning online is not for everyone. Therefore, it is important for you to assess your own style and characteristics as a learner before enrolling in an online course. The following survey can help you determine whether an online course would fit your learning style and needs.

Offered by Salisbury University, and administered by UMUC Europe, the Social Work Programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and offer students the opportunity to earn their degree in a student-centered, supportive atmosphere.

Beginning March of 2014, courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs will be offered in the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC), Germany.